A systematic review of the efficacy and safety of anti-aging herbs in animals and human

Abstract

This review focuses on the efficacy and safety of medicinal plants which have been utilized in traditional medicine for anti-aging purpose. All relevant databases were searched for the terms anti-aging and herbs or medicinal plant without limitation up to 30th January 2011. All the clinical and non-clinical studies with the outcome of change in aging process were included. Search in databases resulted in 1733 articles that on the basis of inclusion/exclusion criteria, 67 studies were finally included. Six human and 61 animal studies were reviewed for the effect of anti-aging herbs on aging process. Most of the studies showed significant improvement in brain function (memory, cognitive, anxiety), sexual disorder and skin wrinkle. From the performed studies, the exact mechanism of anti-aging action and side effect cannot be concluded and thus further studies would be helpful. © 2012 Academic Journals Inc.